Owo, the country home of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday evening, wore a sombre atmosphere and emotions as the body of the deceased arrived in the ancient town.

The people of the community, in their numbers, gathered at the Emure junction to receive the remains of the late Akeredolu as a sign of honour and respect for their departed illustrious son.

Led by two members of the State House of Assembly from Owo, Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi and Hon. Morenike Rennykay Witherspoon, alongside colleagues and town residents, the community stood united in grief to receive the late governor.

As the convoy carrying the late Akeredolu’s remains moved into Owo town, students from various secondary schools in the town, including Imade College and St. Louis Grammar School, lined the roads.

The students stood at strategic locations, waving Nigerian flags as a sign of respect for the late governor.

At Mobile Junction in Ijebu-Owo, representatives from the palace of Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo, the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo, received the body of the late governor.

Tears flowed freely as a large crowd struggled to catch a glimpse of the casket carrying the remains of the late governor.

Despite earlier events held in Akure, the state capital, the people of Owo came out in large numbers, lining the major streets of the town to participate in the traditional Ajabue procession, and patiently awaited the arrival of the late Akeredolu’s body.

The funeral arrangements continue tomorrow, Thursday, February 22, 2024, with a service of songs, wake-keep, and candlelight procession.

Akeredolu died in December 2023 after succumbing to prostate cancer, which he battled for a while.